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Philip Edward Irving OBE, C.Eng., F.I.Mech.E., M.S.A.E., (1903–1992) was an Australian engineer and author, most famous for developing the Vincent motorcycle engine. He authored the books ‘Tuning For Speed‘ and ‘Motorcycle Technicalities’, and for many years wrote a column in Motor Cycling magazine under the pseudonym ‘Slide Rule’.

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Irving’s life was devoted to his passion for Motorcycles and Motor Racing.

To honour Irving’s great achievements, the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport named its highest engineering award the Phil Irving Award.

Although Tuning for Speed might seem of primary importance for owners of classic motorcycles, the foundation understanding and principles it offers are still relevant to all in the fields of competition engine development, cylinder head tuning, gas flowing, motor performance, motorsports, porting and the race tuning and speed tuning of motorcycle and automobile engines. It introduces readers to the language and theory of the ‘go faster’ world.

Tuning for Speed should be on the top 10 list of just about everyone's motorcycle classic book list. The name Phil Irving may not be as well known today to some and possibly less so in the United States. But Irving has been called "one of the most underrated designers in the history of world motorsport", and Tuning for Speed has been called "one of the best books ever written on the improvement of motorcycle engines".

Phil Irving was a brilliant designer and engineer, but he also had a wonderful ability for communicating this knowledge to others. Among his many credits are his contributions as Chief Engineer for one of the most desired classic motorcycles of all time: the pre-World War II Vincent-H.R.D. models. He also designed the Velocette adjustable rear suspension system and the stressed steel frame, the basic design of which is still used in motorcycles today, and he has written several books on the design and tuning of engines.